Best view of Thames down ‘secret’ alleyway – watch beautiful sunsets with pint

You don’t need to spend a lot for a great view of the Thames – one tiny alleyway gets you the best view of the sunset over the water

London’s skyline is dotted with breathtaking views, though they are rarely secret or free of charge unless you head to a park with a hill. Iconic vantage points such as The Shard, The London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral all come with a considerable price tag.

But if you know where to look, you can see a sunset to remember.

Among these places is one spot that has been hailed as having views “to die for” – entirely free of charge and still something of a hidden treasure to many Londoners.

Nestled in the East London’s Wapping, Pelican Stairs is the “hidden” gem that has been generating quite the buzz on social media, particularly for its spectacular sunset vistas over the capital.

Tucked down an unassuming alleyway, this stairwell winds its way down to the bank of the Thames, opening up sweeping views towards Canary Wharf and the city’s financial district skyscrapers.

Located alongside what was formerly The Pelican pub – now trading as The Prospect of Whitby at 57 Wapping Wall – the Pelican Stairs hug the left-hand side of the establishment, descending to where locals would once have walked on their way to riverside ships.

While the Pelican Stairs offer both a fascinating slice of history and striking views of the East London stretch of the Thames, visitors may also encounter the eerie sight of ancient gallows on the shoreline accessible via the steps.

The neighbouring pub has also enjoyed its share of the spotlight, having featured in a beloved episode of Only Fools and Horses, in which Del Boy and Rodney hunt for Uncle Albert, with Rodney memorably stepping out of the pub during the scene.

The location has further graced television screens in the BBC drama Whitechapel, where a disturbing find is made along the Thames riverbank near the Pelican Stairs. In the series, DS Miles explores the area’s fascinating history while briefing DI Chandler.

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